Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has made a strong case for deepened economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Korea, pitching his state as a prime destination for foreign investment.
Emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial partnerships, the governor urged the Asian economic powerhouse to look toward Akwa Ibom for strategic commercial ventures and essential technology transfer.
The governor’s position was articulated by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented him at a high-profile diplomatic and academic gathering in Uyo.
The appeal was made during a special lecture delivered by the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an, hosted at the University of Uyo.
During the address, the state government highlighted Akwa Ibom’s readiness to host international investors, citing its rapidly developing infrastructure and stable business environment.
Senator Eyakenyi emphasized that the state boasts a highly skilled human capital base, vast natural wealth, and immense untapped economic potential, making it a highly attractive hub for South Korean industrial expansion.
Central to the state’s economic pitch was the opportunity to significantly expand current international trade metrics.
The governor’s address pointed out that the existing bilateral trade volume between Nigeria and South Korea currently stands at an estimated $2.1 billion, a figure he argued has substantial room for upward movement.
By actively integrating Akwa Ibom State into this bilateral trade framework, the state government believes both nations can achieve unprecedented economic milestones.
The administration remains committed to leveraging this diplomatic engagement to secure strategic foreign direct investment, ultimately driving local economic growth and cementing Akwa Ibom’s role in global commerce.
